Iris germanica Late Lilac - Bearded Iris

The Late Lilac iris should be planted shallow, leaving the rhizome exposed at ground level. Add sand when the soil is too heavy or too wet, and place the rhizomes on small mounds. Ensure good drainage to prevent the iris from rotting. In summer this iris should be watered 1 to 2 times a month. At the end of flowering, they should be pruned by cutting the flower stalks 10 cm (4in) from the ground. Damaged leaves should only be removed in autumn. It is not advisable to provide too much nitrogen as it weakens the plant and increases the number of leaves at the expense of flowers. The taller flower stems become brittle. The iris can be susceptible to heterosporiosis, a disease characterised by oval brown spots. To prevent this, treat the iris with Bordeaux mixture at the beginning of the growing season. Every 4 years, in summer after flowering, divide the clumps by pulling up the entire plant. Transplanting should be done into a site that hasn't had irises in the last year. Select the most beautiful plants from the rhizome, usually those on the outer edge.